Breather slots and venting reservoir

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the disclosure include an electrochemical sensor comprising a housing defining an interior space; a sensing electrode; a counter electrode; and a separator retaining an electrolyte, wherein the electrolyte provides an ionically conductive pathway between each of the sensing electrode and the counter electrode within the housing, wherein the electrodes are orientated in a common plane, the separator contacts each of the electrodes, and the housing comprises at least one breather slot located between the interior space and the separator.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to PCTApplication Serial No. PCT/US2016/036660 entitled “Breather Slots andVenting Reservoir”, file Jun. 9, 2016, which is a continuation-in-partof both: 1) PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US15/41449 entitled“Inert Corrosion Barriers for Current Collector Protection”, filed 22Jul. 2015, and 2) PCT Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US15/46461entitled “Sensing Electrode Oxygen Control in an Oxygen Sensor”, filed24 Aug. 2015, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND

Electrochemical gas sensors generally comprise electrodes in contactwith an electrolyte for detecting a gas concentration. The electrodesare electrically coupled to an external circuit though lead wires thatare coupled to connector pins. When a gas contacts the electrolyte andthe electrodes, a reaction can occur that can create a potentialdifference between the electrodes or cause a current to flow between theelectrodes. The resulting signal can be correlated with a gasconcentration in the environment.

In some instances, the sensors can be used to detect a concentration ofoxygen in an environment adjacent to the sensor over a range ofenvironmental conditions. Electrochemical sensors such as oxygen sensorscan experience a number of issues during operation. For example, whenthe sensor operates at a certain temperature, a concentration of atarget gas, or a reaction product formed by the oxidation or reductionof a target gas, can be dissolved in the electrolyte within the sensor.As the temperature increases, the solubility of most gases, includingoxygen and nitrogen, can decrease and result in the formation of bubblesof the gas or gases. In an oxygen sensor, these small bubbles of aircontaining a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen may diffuse to the sensingelectrode and cause instability in the signal at the sensing electrodes,where the oxygen may react by a process of electrochemical reduction atthe catalyst surface, resulting in a temporary or transient artificiallyhigh oxygen reading as the finite volume of oxygen gas is consumed atthe sensing electrode. Other issues, including the availability ofelectrolyte in contact with the electrodes and issues with corrosion,can also be present. The presence of bubbles of even an inert gas suchas nitrogen within the sensor can also be a problem as they may createan easy gas phase path through which oxygen can rapidly diffuse and getto the sensing electrode.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the disclosure include an electrochemical sensorcomprising a housing defining an interior space; a sensing electrode; acounter electrode; and a separator retaining an electrolyte, wherein theelectrolyte provides an ionically conductive pathway between each of thesensing electrode and the counter electrode within the housing, whereinthe electrodes are orientated in a common plane, the separator contactseach of the electrodes, and the housing comprises at least one breatherslot located between the interior space and the separator.

Embodiments of the disclosure include a method for manufacturing aplanar separator for use in an electrochemical sensor comprising forminga planar separator wherein the ratio of the length of the separator tothe overall thickness of the separator is at least 20/1; forming ahousing, wherein the separator contacts a portion of the housing, andwherein the housing defines a reservoir; forming at least one breatherslot within the portion of the housing contacting the separator; andassembling the planar separator within the housing, wherein theseparator contacts a plurality of electrodes, and wherein the breatherslots of the housing are located between the reservoir and theseparator.

These and other features will be more clearly understood from thefollowing detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, referenceis now made to the following brief description, taken in connection withthe accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein likereference numerals represent like parts.

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic cross section of an embodiment of anelectrochemical gas sensor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of the electrochemical sensoraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of an electrochemical gas sensoraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrochemical gassensor according to an embodiment, where the electrochemical gas sensorcomprises a stacked arrangement.

FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate an electrode and a separator for use with anelectrochemical gas sensor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates another cross-sectional view of an electrochemicalgas sensor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 illustrates the compression of a housing on a portion of anelectrode within an electrochemical gas sensor according to anembodiment.

FIG. 8A illustrates a housing for use with an electrochemical gas sensoraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the housing of FIG. 8Aincorporated into an electrochemical gas sensor according to anembodiment.

FIG. 9A illustrates a housing for use in an electrochemical sensoraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 9B illustrates a table for use in an electrochemical sensoraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 9C illustrates an exploded view of an electrochemical gas sensoraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 9D illustrates a table for use in an electrochemical gas sensoraccording to an embodiment.

FIGS. 9E-9G illustrate steps of assembling an electrochemical gas sensoraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of an electrochemical gas sensoraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 illustrates a planar separator for use in an electrochemical gassensor according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate different methods of removing material from aplanar separator according to an embodiment.

FIGS. 13A-13B illustrate a shaped separator and a planar arrangement ofelectrodes according to an embodiment.

FIG. 14 illustrates a breather tab used in an electrochemical gas sensoraccording to an embodiment.

FIG. 15 illustrates another view of the breather tab used in anelectrochemical gas sensor according to an embodiment.

FIG. 16 illustrates a counter electrode and breather tab according to anembodiment.

FIG. 17 illustrates a housing comprising a protrusion according to anembodiment.

FIG. 18 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an electrochemical gassensor comprising a breather tab according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 illustrates another view of an electrochemical gas sensorcomprising a breather tab according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20 illustrates yet another view of an electrochemical gas sensorcomprising a breather tab according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It should be understood at the outset that although illustrativeimplementations of one or more embodiments are illustrated below, thedisclosed systems and methods may be implemented using any number oftechniques, whether currently known or not yet in existence. Thedisclosure should in no way be limited to the illustrativeimplementations, drawings, and techniques illustrated below, but may bemodified within the scope of the appended claims along with their fullscope of equivalents.

The following brief definition of terms shall apply throughout theapplication:

The term “comprising” means including but not limited to, and should beinterpreted in the manner it is typically used in the patent context;

The phrases “in one embodiment,” “according to one embodiment,” and thelike generally mean that the particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic following the phrase may be included in at least oneembodiment of the present invention, and may be included in more thanone embodiment of the present invention (importantly, such phrases donot necessarily refer to the same embodiment);

If the specification describes something as “exemplary” or an “example,”it should be understood that refers to a non-exclusive example;

The terms “about” or “approximately” or the like, when used with anumber, may mean that specific number, or alternatively, a range inproximity to the specific number, as understood by persons of skill inthe art field; and

If the specification states a component or feature “may,” “can,”“could,” “should,” “would,” “preferably,” “possibly,” “typically,”“optionally,” “for example,” “often,” or “might” (or other suchlanguage) be included or have a characteristic, that particularcomponent or feature is not required to be included or to have thecharacteristic. Such component or feature may be optionally included insome embodiments, or it may be excluded.

Described herein are various designs and configurations forelectrochemical sensors. Electrochemical gas sensors generally detectthe presence of a gas in the atmosphere adjacent the sensor by allowinga controlled flow (or diffusion) rate of the ambient gases to enter andreact within the sensor. The composition of the electrodes andelectrolyte within the sensor can be selected to react with differentgases, thereby enabling a degree of selectivity in determining theambient concentration of a targeted gas. The electrochemical sensors cancomprise components and electronic instrumentation (e.g., electroniccircuitry such as potential meters, current meters, potentiostats, andthe like) that collectively are capable of detecting gases or vaporsthat are susceptible to electrochemical oxidation or reduction at thesensing electrode, such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, sulphurdioxide, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, chlorine, hydrogen, hydrogencyanide, hydrogen chloride, ozone, ethylene oxide, hydrides, and/oroxygen. While some embodiments described herein refer to an oxygensensor, the same configurations and methods can be used with theappropriate materials to perform electrochemical oxidation and/orreduction to enable detection of any suitable target gas.

In some aspects, the electrochemical sensors described herein maycomprise an oxygen sensor which relies upon the principle of an oxygenpump. In this type of sensor, oxygen is reduced at the sensing electrodeand water is oxidized at the counter electrode according to thefollowing half reactions:

At the sensing electrode: O₂+4H⁺+4e ⁻→2H₂O  (Eq. 1)

At the counter electrode: 2H₂O→O₂+4H⁺+4e ⁻  (Eq. 2)

The overall reaction results in the consumption of oxygen at the sensingelectrode with an equivalent production of oxygen at the counterelectrode. The overall reaction is maintained by means of a referenceelectrode and a potentiostat, which drive the sensing electrode to apotential which allows the reaction to proceed. The resulting currentbetween the sensing electrode and the counter electrode is proportionalto the oxygen concentration of the ambient gas. As embodied by Fick'sLaw, this proportionality applies for sensors operating under diffusionlimited gas access of the capillary and full consumption of the targetgas at the sensing electrode. In contrast to other sensors, there is noconsuming reaction in which the electrodes or the electrolyte themselvesare consumed.

Described herein are a number of features for use with an oxygen sensorthat can contribute to the operation of the sensor. In an aspect of thepresent sensor, contact between an electrode material and an electricallead can be maintained over a limited area of the sensor. This may allowthe separator in contact with the electrode to be separately compressed,generally at a lower compression level than that of the electrical lead.This may allow the separator that acts to retain the electrolyte incontact with the electrode to avoid being over-compressed, which canlimit the amount of available electrolyte in contact with the electrode.Also, limiting the compression to the contact between the electrode andelectrical lead could even remove the need for a separator at all, ifthe electrolyte is operable to wet the materials in the sensorsufficiently to remain in contact with them (e.g. ionic liquids). At thesame time, adequate compression between the electrode and the electricallead may be maintained so that the electrical connection between theelectrical lead and the electrode is maintained.

In an aspect of the present sensor, the result of the reactions at eachelectrode is an oxygen concentration gradient in the electrolyte. Theconcentration of the dissolved oxygen in the electrolyte varies with thecomposition of the electrolyte, the temperature of the electrolyte, theatmospheric pressure, and the position relative to the sensing electrodeand the counter electrode. The oxygen concentration at or near thesensing electrode may be around 0%, while the oxygen concentration inthe electrolyte at or near the counter electrode may correspond to aconcentration close to or above the ambient gas concentration. Withinthis gradient, the dissolved oxygen and/or nitrogen concentration mayexceed a saturated concentration due to a temperature rise. As thetemperature rises above the saturation concentration, a gas phasecomprising oxygen and/or nitrogen can form, and the resulting gas phasebubbles can travel to the sensing electrode where they may react. Theresulting spike in the concentration value can result in a false alarm.

In some aspects, the air/electrolyte interface can be controlled so thatthe closest interface is positioned a suitable distance away from thesensing electrode in order to control the oxygen concentration in theelectrolyte surrounding the sensing electrode within the sensor itself.Specifically, a low oxygen zone can be created around the sensingelectrode that is substantially sealed off from the air/electrolyteinterface. This zone may limit the oxygen introduction to the sensingelectrode to that occurring through the wetted separator. In order tocontrol the inlet oxygen diffusion rate, the relative geometricparameters of the separator can be adjusted along with the relativedistances between the sensing electrode, the reference electrode, andthe counter electrode so that a flux of the oxygen to the sensingelectrode is controlled. This may provide an oxygen sensor having animproved resistance to spiking failures across a broad range oftemperatures. In some embodiments, a sealed area around the sensingelectrode can be used to limit the amount of oxygen reaching the sensingelectrode to a liquid-phase diffusional flow, which may be orders ofmagnitude slower than gas phase diffusional flow. The sealed area maylimit or prevent oxygen in a gas from contacting the separator adjacentto the sensing electrode, which may help to avoid any spiking failures.

In other aspects, the interface for the sensing electrode can occurbased on gas diffusion through a gas diffusion membrane that is part ofthe sensing electrode. In this embodiment, the gas can contact themembrane within the sensor and diffuse to the electrode interface toform a three-phase gas/electrolyte/electrode interface for carrying outa reaction, which can produce the signal used to indicate an amount ofthe gas present.

In some aspects, the separator used with the sensor can be planar, andthe use of a specific geometry may allow for various oxygen gradients tobe controlled. Various features such as the cross-sectional area alongthe length of the separator can be controlled through the shape of theseparator. In some aspects, various ablation patterns can be used tocontrol a diffusion rate through a portion of the separator. The overalldesign of the separator may then allow a specific gradient of reactants(e.g., dissolved oxygen, ions, etc.) to be maintained during operationof the sensors.

In an aspect of the sensor, a breather tab can be used to allow gasesthat collect within the sensor body to be vented. Problems can arisewhen a liquid electrolyte level within the sensor body covers a breathervent. By limiting the contact between any accumulated gas phase and thebreather material, the gas cannot pass through the vent to an exteriorof the sensor body. As disclosed herein, a breather tab can be used thatpasses through the sensor body along an elongated path. The path allowsthe breather tab to be in contact with the gas phase, and thereby ventgas from the sensor body at a wide variety of electrolyte liquid levelsand orientations of the sensor.

In still other aspects, various wicking designs can be used with thesensor to aid in electrolyte transport between an electrolyte reservoirand the separator. The sensor can generally be designed so that theelectrolyte is in contact with the separator, which serves as a wick toretain the electrolyte in contact with the electrodes. In some instances(e.g., low electrolyte levels, differing orientations, etc.), theelectrolyte may not properly wick into the separator. In order totransport the electrolyte from a reservoir to the separator, wickingchannels can be included within the sensor body or housing to furthertransport the electrolyte to the separator. Various structures such ascapillary channels can be formed in one or more portions of the innersurface of the housing. This may serve to wick the electrolyte to theseparator at a wide variety of angles and electrolyte levels.

FIG. 1 illustrates a cross-section of an embodiment of anelectrochemical sensor 100, and FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view ofthe electrochemical sensor of FIG. 1 with the layout of the separatorand electrodes illustrated. The electrochemical sensor 100 can comprisea multi-part housing including at least a body 102 defining a hollowinterior space 110 for receiving and retaining an electrolyte (e.g.,forming an electrolyte reservoir), a base 104, and a cap 106. The base104 and the cap 106 can sealingly engage the body 102 to form anintegral unit.

The body 102 may have a generally rectangular or square shape, thoughother shapes such as cylindrical, oval, oblong, or the like are alsopossible. The body 102, the cap 106, and the base 104 can all be formedfrom materials that are inert to the selected electrolyte. For example,the body 102, the cap 106, and/or the base 104 can be formed from one ormore plastic or polymeric materials. In an embodiment, the body 102, thecap 106, and/or the base 104 can be formed from a material including,but not limited to, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polyphenyleneoxide (PPO), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE)(e.g., high density polyethylene (HDPE)), polyphenylene ether (PPE), orany combination or blend thereof.

One or more openings can be formed through the body to allow the ambientgas to enter the interior space 110 and/or allow any gases generatedwithin the housing to escape. In an embodiment, the electrochemicalsensor 100 may comprise at least one inlet opening 140 to allow theambient gas to enter the housing, and at least one exhaust opening 142to allow any gases generated by the counter electrode 111 to exhaustfrom the housing. The inlet opening 140 and/or the exhaust opening 142can be disposed in the cap 106 when a cap is present and/or in a wall ofthe body 102. The inlet opening 140 and/or the exhaust opening 142 cancomprise a diffusion barrier to restrict the flow of gas (e.g., oxygen)to the sensing electrode 115. The diffusion barrier can be created byforming the inlet opening 140 and/or the exhaust opening 142 as acapillary, and/or a film or membrane can be used to control the massflow rate through one or more of the openings 140, 142.

The inlet opening 140 and/or the exhaust opening 142 may serve ascapillary openings to provide a rate limited exchange of the gasesbetween the interior and exterior of the housing. In an embodiment, theinlet opening 140 may have a diameter between about 20 μm and about 200μm, where the opening can be formed using a conventional drill forlarger openings and a laser drill for smaller openings. The inletopening 140 may have a length between about 0.5 mm and about 5 mm,depending on the thickness of the cap 106. The exhaust opening 142 mayhave a diameter and length in the same ranges as the inlet opening 140.In some embodiments, two or more openings may be present for the inletgases and/or the exhaust gases. When a membrane is used to control thegas flow (or diffusion) into and/or out of the housing, the openingdiameter may be larger than the sizes listed above as the film cancontribute to and/or may be responsible for controlling the flow rate ofthe gases into and out of the housing. In general, the gas accessbetween the ambient environment and the interior of the electrochemicalsensor 100 is intended to occur through the inlet opening 140. Whenexhaust opening 142 is present, the exhaust opening 142 can beconfigured so that the rate of diffusion through the exhaust opening 142may be less than that through the inlet opening 140, thereby reducingany access through the exhaust opening 142 relative to the inlet opening140.

A porous membrane (e.g., vent membrane 314 in FIG. 3) can also bedisposed within the sensor 100, a portion of which can serve as a ventmembrane to allow any gas formed within the sensor to pass through themembrane and out the exhaust opening 142 to the atmosphere. The ventmembrane may be porous to a gas, but can generally form a barrier to thepassage of any liquids such as the electrolyte solution in order to forma liquid seal relative to the outside environment. In an embodiment, thevent membrane can be formed from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE),fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene(PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET)polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK), perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), ethylenechlorotrifluoroethylene (E-CTFE), and any combination thereof. The ventmembrane can cover the exhaust opening 142, and in some aspects can besealed around the vent to prevent fluid leakage from the interior of thesensor through the exhaust opening 142. The flow rate of the gas betweenthe reservoir 110 and the vent membrane covering the exhaust opening 142can be controlled by the relative permeability of the vent membrane toselected gases.

A porous membrane 122 can also be disposed within the sensor 100, aportion of which can serve as a breather tab to allow any gas formingwithin the sensor to pass through the membrane to the vent membrane. Insome embodiments, the porous membrane 122 can serve as a vent membraneover the exhaust opening 142. The porous membrane 122 may be porous to agas, but can generally form a barrier to the passage of any liquids suchas the electrolyte solution in order to allow any gas to pass throughthe porous membrane 122 to the vent membrane and/or the exhaust opening142. In an embodiment, the porous membrane 122 can be formed frompolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA),polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polyaryletheretherketone (PEEK),perfluoroalkoxy (PFA), ethylene chlorotrifluoroethylene (E-CTFE), andany combination thereof. The porous membrane 122 can cover the exhaustopening 142. The flow rate of the gas between the reservoir 110 and theporous membrane 122 can then be controlled by the relative permeabilityof the porous membrane 122 to selected gases. When the vent membrane ispresent, the porous membrane 122 may have a higher gas permeability toallow the gases within the sensor 100 to pass to the vent membrane.

A higher density, lower porosity bulk flow membrane 124 can be disposedwithin the cap 106 to serve as a barrier to the bulk flow of gases intothe sensor 100 while allowing for relatively free diffusion of gasthrough the bulk flow membrane 124, which can impart tolerance to localenvironmental pressure changes that can disrupt the diffusion controlledoperation of the inlet opening 140. The inlet opening 140 through thecap 106 and/or the bulk flow membrane 124 may provide a restrictiveand/or tortuous diffusional path to allow the gases in the atmosphere topass into the sensor 100 to react with the electrodes and electrolytesolution at a flowrate that does not cause undesirable sensor responsecharacteristics, which can manifest as significant increased responsesover an extended period such as minutes to hours depending upon themagnitude of the bulk flow gas volume that diffused through thecapillary.

The inlet opening 140 may provide an opening into the central spacewithin the housing. The resulting incoming gases (e.g., including thetarget gas) may contact the electrolyte, for example, within theseparator 120. In an embodiment, the exhaust opening 142 can be disposedadjacent to the counter electrode 111 and can serve to allow gasesgenerated at the counter electrode 111 to escape from the housing sothat the gases do not accumulate within the housing and create falsereadings by flowing to the sensing electrode 115.

It can be useful to minimize the parts count in the sensor design due tothe implications for cost and complexity of manufacture andreproducibility of assembly. It can also be advantageous during theassembly of the sensors to use full or partial automation when there arefewer parts to handle. There is a constraint within most instrumentdesigns that the gas access must be on the upper x-y plane due to theneed to allow clear gas access while the instrument is being held in thehand with the display clearly visible. This constrains many of thegeometrical options for the designer. One aspect of the design whichhelps to meet this requirement is the cap section, and in particular,the portion of the cap 106 containing the inlet opening 140. This isdesigned to be located in the outer shell of the instrument. In thisway, the internal sensor volume can be created in a region which wouldnormally be left as a void in traditional sensors. In some aspects, thecap can contain various elements such as the filter, bulk flow membrane,and inlet opening.

Within the electrochemical gas sensor 100, a separator 120 may bedisposed between the body 102 and the cap 106. The separator 120 cancomprise a porous member that acts as a wick for the retention andtransport of the electrolyte between the reservoir and the electrodes.In general, the separator 120 is electrically insulating to prevent adirect electrical connection between the electrodes through theseparator material itself (e.g., as opposed to through the electrolyte).In an embodiment of the separator, the separator may comprise highvolume, non-woven separator materials such as a porous felt and/or anon-woven, unbound, glass fiber separator material described as WhatmanGFA separator. This typical separator material is manufactured in rollform where the glass density (or “grammage”) is nominally uniform alongand across the roll. The separator 120 can comprise a woven porousmaterial, a porous polymer (e.g., an open cell foam, a solid porousplastic, etc.), or the like, and is generally chemically inert withrespect to the electrolyte and the materials forming the electrodes. Inan embodiment, the separator 120 can be formed from various materialsthat are substantially chemically inert to the electrolyte including,but not limited to, glass (e.g., a glass mat), polymer (plastic discs),ceramics, or the like.

In some aspects, the electrolyte can comprise an aqueous electrolyte, anionic liquid, a solid electrolyte, and/or a liquid non-aqueous,non-ionic additive. In an aspect, the electrolyte can comprise anyaqueous electrolyte such as an aqueous solution of a salt, an acid, or abase depending on the target gas of interest. In an embodiment, theelectrolyte can comprise a hygroscopic acid such as sulfuric acid foruse in an oxygen sensor. Other target gases may use the same ordifferent electrolyte compositions. In addition to aqueous electrolytes,ionic liquid electrolytes can also be used to detect certain gases. Theelectrolyte can be maintained within the sensor 100 to allow thereactions to occur at the sensing electrode 115 and the counterelectrode 111. In some embodiments the electrolyte can comprise anon-ionic, non-aqueous fluid, gel, or solid, which can be appropriatelydoped to provide the ionic characteristics to the electrolyte. In anembodiment, the electrolyte can be a liquid that is maintained in theseparator 120, which acts as an absorbent medium to retain theelectrolyte in contact with the electrodes. In some embodiments, theelectrolyte can be present in the form of a gel. In an embodiment, theelectrolyte may comprise a carrier or other additive, such aspoly(ethylene glycol), poly(ethylene oxide), poly(propylene carbonate).

In an embodiment, the electrolyte can comprise a solid electrolyte.Solid electrolytes can include electrolytes adsorbed or absorbed into asolid structure such as a solid porous material and/or materials thatallow protonic and or electronic conduction as formed. In an embodiment,the solid electrolyte can be a protonic conductive electrolyte membrane.The solid electrolyte can be a perfluorinated ion-exchange polymer suchas Nafion. Nafion is a hydrated copolymer of polytretafluoroethylene andpolysulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether containing pendant sulfuric acidgroups. When used, a Nafion membrane can optionally be treated with anacid such as H₃PO₄, sulfuric acid, or the like, which improves themoisture retention characteristics of Nafion and the conductivity ofhydrogen ions through the Nafion membrane. The sensing, counter andreference electrodes can be hot-pressed onto the Nafion membrane toprovide a high conductivity between the electrodes and the solidelectrolyte.

The counter electrode 111, reference electrode 113, and sensingelectrode 115 within the electrochemical gas sensor 100 can beelectrically connected to an external circuit through one or moreelectrical connections. In an embodiment, the electrodes 111, 113, 115may have connector pins 112, 114 extending through the base 104 and/orthe body 102 that can be electrically coupled, directly or indirectly,with the electrodes 111, 113, 115. While not shown in FIG. 1, thesensing electrode 115 can have a connector pin disposed through the base104 to contact the sensing electrode 115. The external surfaces of theconnector pins 112, 114 can be electrically coupled to an externalcircuit. The connector pins 112, 114 may sealingly engage the base 104and/or the body 102 so that the connector pins 112, 114 aresubstantially sealed from the interior space 110 of the electrochemicalgas sensor 100.

The connector pins 112, 114 can be formed from an electricallyconductive material, which may be plated or coated. In an embodiment,the connector pins 112, 114 can be formed from brass, nickel, copper, orthe like. The connector pins 112, 114 can be coated to reducedegradation due to the contact with the electrolyte. For example, theconnector pins 112, 114 can include a coating of precious metal such asgold, platinum, silver, or the like, other base metals such as tin, orother metals such as niobium and tantalum. In an embodiment of anelectrochemical sensor, the pins may comprise gold flash plated, nickelcoated brass pins.

In some aspects, the connector pins 112, 114 can contact the electrodedirectly, through a conductive layer, and/or one or more currentcollectors such as a metal wire or conductive ribbon can be used toconduct electrical charges generated at active electrode surfaces to theconnector pins 112, 114, which tend to be more robust than the metalwire or ribbon. When current collectors are used, the connector pins112, 114 can facilitate connection between the current collectors and anexternal electronic circuit.

The external circuitry can be used to detect a current between thesensing electrode 115 and the counter electrode 111 to determine thetarget gas concentration in an ambient gas in contact with the sensor100. A potentiostatic circuit can be used to maintain the potential ofthe sensing electrode 115 at a predetermined value relative to thereference electrode 113 independently from the counter electrode 111,whose potential remains uncontrolled and limited only by theelectrocatalytic properties of the electrode. In an embodiment, thepotential of the sensing electrode 115 relative to the referenceelectrode 113 can be set at a value of between about −300 and −800 mVfor the electrochemical sensor 100 when the target gas is oxygen. Insome embodiments, the sensing electrode 115 and the reference electrode113 may comprise platinum when the potential of the sensing electrode115 relative to the reference electrode 113 is set at a value of betweenabout −300 and −800 mV for the electrochemical sensor 100 when thesensing gas is oxygen.

The electrodes 111, 113, 115 generally allow for various reactions totake place to allow a current or potential to develop in response to thepresence of a target gas such as oxygen. The resulting signal may thenallow for the concentration of the target gas to be determined. Theelectrodes 111, 113, 115 can comprise a reactive material suitable forcarrying out a desired reaction. For example, the electrodes 111, 113,115 can be formed of a mixture of electrically conductive catalystparticles in a binder such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). For anoxygen sensor, an exemplary electrode can comprise carbon (e.g.,graphite) and/or one or more metals or metal oxides such as copper,silver, gold, nickel, palladium, platinum, ruthenium, iridium and/oroxides of these metals. The catalyst used can be a pure metal powder, ametal powder combined with carbon, a metal powder supported onelectrically conductive medium such as carbon, or a combination of twoor more metal powders either as a blend or as an alloy. The materialsused for the individual electrodes can be the same or different.

The electrode can also comprise a backing material or substrate such asa membrane to support the catalyst mixture. The backing material orsubstrate can comprise a porous material to provide gas access to theelectrode through the substrate. The backing material may also behydrophobic to prevent the electrolyte from escaping from the housing.

The electrodes can be made by mixing the desired catalyst with ahydrophobic binder such as a PTFE emulsion and depositing the mixture onthe backing material. The electrodes might be deposited onto thesubstrate, by for example, screen printing, filtering in selected areasfrom a suspension placed onto the substrate, by spray coating, or anyother method suitable for producing a patterned deposition of solidmaterial. Deposition might be of a single material or of more than onematerial sequentially in layers so as, for example, to vary theproperties of the electrode material through its thickness or to add asecond layer of increased electrical conductivity above or below thelayer which is the main site of gas reaction.

When the target gas is oxygen in a sensor using a diffusion limitedopening (e.g., a capillary, etc.), the oxygen concentration at thesensing electrode 115 within the sensor results from both the oxygendiffusing to the sensing electrode 115 through the separator 120 as wellas oxygen entering the separator 120 as a result of a gas/separator 120interface at any point along the separator 120 within the sensor 100.When the gas can contact the electrolyte in the separator 120 adjacentto the sensing electrode 115, a substantial portion of the oxygencontacting the sensing electrode 115 can result from the contact betweenthe gas and the electrolyte in the separator 120 adjacent to the sensingelectrode 115. This can result in a localized oxygen concentration inthe electrolyte that exceeds the saturation concentration or solubilityat certain temperatures. A temperature rise could then result in ahigher rate of gaseous oxygen diffusion to the active catalyst of thesensing electrode 115, as a direct result of gas evolution from theelectrolyte and subsequent contact with the sensing electrode 115 tocreate a transient “spike” in the output current.

In some aspects, the design of the separator 120 can be used to helpprevent spiking failures by designing the separator 120 to provide apressure resistance to a bubble gas containing oxygen from passingthrough the separator 120 and reaching the sensing electrode 115 duringenvironmental pressure changes. The separator 120 can be designed sothat the pressure resistance is higher than the pressure resistancethrough the vent, thereby routing the gas through the vent to exit thesensor housing. As an example, pressure changes of up to about 400millibar can be associated with temperature changes from −40° C. to +60°C. and back again. The separator 120 can be designed to provide apressure resistance to a gas bubble of at least about 400 millibar, atleast about 500 millibar, or at least about 600 millibar.

In order to avoid the potential for spiking in some aspects, the oxygenconcentration at or near the sensing electrode 115 can be controlled toa level less than the threshold oxygen solubility at the operationaltemperature. In general, the dissolved oxygen concentration in theelectrolyte at or near (e.g., within several millimeters) the sensingelectrode 115 should be as close to zero as possible, thereby ensuringthat the majority of the measured sensor response results from thecontrolled diffusion rate of gaseous oxygen through the capillary gasentry hole, rather than the less controlled, internal diffusion rate ofdissolved oxygen through the separator 120. Limiting or preventing theinternal diffusion rate of oxygen can improve the correlation betweenthe sensor response and the gaseous oxygen concentration of the externalenvironment. Ideally, the rate at which the oxygen reaches the sensingelectrode 115 from the environment in which the oxygen is to be detectedshould be less than the consumption rate of the oxygen at the sensingelectrode 115 (such that the electrode may be diffusion limited over allconditions over the life of the sensor). Typically, for most embodimentsof this sensor type, the consumption rate of oxygen at the sensingelectrode 115 (e.g., the reduction rate) may be greater than thediffusion rate of gaseous oxygen to the sensing electrode 115 from theenvironment in which the target gas is to be detected through allopenings in the sensor 100. When additional internal diffusion ofdissolved and/or gaseous target gas occurs from the electrolyte near thesensing electrode 115, the current generated in the circuit maycorrelate poorly with the external target gas concentration.

In an embodiment, the threshold may be a saturation concentration at adesign temperature. For example, the threshold may be the oxygensaturation concentration in the electrolyte at the upper operatingtemperature specified for the sensor 100. In some embodiments, thethreshold may be a percentage of the saturation concentration at aspecified temperature. This may allow for a safety factor to be includedin the design of the electrochemical sensor 100. For example, the targetgas (e.g., oxygen) concentration may be controlled to less than about90%, less than about 80%, or less than about 70% of the saturationconcentration at a specified temperature.

The target gas concentration at or near the sensing electrode 115 can becontrolled in a number of ways including providing a spacing between thecounter electrode 111 and the sensing electrode 115, limiting agas/electrolyte contact at or near the sensing electrode 115, and/orselecting a geometry for the separator 120 retaining the electrolyte tolimit the flux of the target gas to the sensing electrode 115 to a ratethat is less than a consumption rate of the target gas at the sensingelectrode 115 (e.g., a target gas reduction rate at the sensingelectrode 115).

In an oxygen sensor, a dissolved target gas concentration gradient canbe established in response to the operation of the electrochemicalsensor between the counter electrode 111 and the sensing electrode 115under normal operational conditions. Alternatively, in another sensorsuch as a CO sensor or even in oxygen sensors having a differentconfiguration, there may be no gradient of target gas within theseparator, since CO is not evolved at the counter electrode and theincoming CO from the capillary should be consumed by the sensingelectrode 115. In some oxygen sensors, the dissolved target gasconcentration gradient may generally be expected to represent aconcentration either at, or approaching, the solubility limit ofdissolved target gas in the electrolyte surrounding the counterelectrode 111 and either low, or approximately zero, concentration ofdissolved target gas in the electrolyte around the sensing electrode 115when the electrochemical sensor 100 is used in typical operationalenvironments. Since the target gas concentration in the electrolytedecreases towards the sensing electrode 115, the creation of a suitabledistance between the counter electrode 111 and the sensing electrode 115can be used to limit the concentration of dissolved target gas in theelectrolyte near the sensing electrode 115 to less than the threshold.

In an embodiment, the separation distance can be provided by forming anionically conductive pathway between the electrodes 111, 113, 115 havinga desired length. The sensing electrode 115, the reference electrode113, and the counter electrode 111 can be disposed on the ionicallyconductive pathway, with a distance separating each electrode. In anembodiment, the ionically conductive pathway can extend in any directionwithin the housing in order to achieve a desired spacing. The resultingseparation may include a labyrinth configuration so that the ionicallyconductive pathway is not in a straight line, which would result in anoxygen sensor having relatively large dimensions.

In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the separator 120 can comprise aplanar configuration, and each of the electrodes 111, 113, 115 can bedisposed in a planar configuration in contact with the electrolyteretained in the separator 120. As shown, the separator 120 may form anionically conductive pathway, hereafter referred to as a “conductivepathway,” by virtue of the electrolyte being retained in the separator120. The separator 120 can extend in a plane within the housing betweenthe counter electrode 111, the reference electrode 113, and the sensingelectrode 115. In this embodiment, each of the electrodes 111, 113, 115may be disposed in a substantially planar arrangement to contact theelectrolyte in the planar separator 120. The conduction pathway may notextend in a straight line within the housing, which may allow theconduction pathway to attain the desired length or separation betweenthe electrodes while maintaining a compact sensor design. While theconduction pathway does not extend in a straight line, a singleconduction pathway is formed in which the sensors are arranged in serieson the pathway. For example, the middle electrode is disposed betweenthe two end electrodes, and a shorter path is not present between theend electrodes than between either of the end electrodes and the middleelectrode.

In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 2, the sensing electrode 115 and thecounter electrode 111 can be disposed at the ends of the conductionpathway, and the reference electrode 113 can be disposed between thesensing electrode 115 and the counter electrode 111. This configurationlocates the reference electrode 113 at a position where it is subject torelatively steady concentration gradients of dissolved target gas andions diffusing through the electrolyte, which may reduce the currentvariations generated by the potentiostatic driver circuitry thatmanifest as measurement fluctuation or drift. The steady concentrationgradients across the reference electrode in this configuration may beconsidered a more robust design solution for producing a stablereference potential than the highly variable and fluctuatingconcentrations of protons and dissolved target gas that might begenerated across the reference electrode 113 when it is positionedoutside of the potential gradient, which can result in increasedfluctuation or drift in the circuit.

The distance between the electrodes 111, 113, 115 on the conductionpathway may affect the potential for spiking to occur. In an embodiment,the distance along the conduction pathway (e.g., along a centerline ofthe conduction pathway) between the counter electrode 111 and thereference electrode 113 may be between about 1 mm and about 20 mm orbetween about 2 mm and about 15 mm, where the reference electrode 113 isdisposed between the counter electrode 111 and the sensing electrode115. In some embodiments, the distance (e.g., along a centerline of theconduction pathway) between the sensing electrode 115 and the counterelectrode 111 may be between about 5 mm and about 30 mm, or betweenabout 7.5 mm and about 25 mm. The relative ratio between the electrodes111, 113, 115 may also affect the target concentration gradient. In anembodiment, a ratio of a distance between the counter electrode 111 andthe reference electrode 113 to a distance between the counter electrode111 and the sensing electrode 115 can be between about 1:1 and about1:10, or between about 1:1.5 and about 1:5.

In some embodiments, a diffusion barrier may be provided within thesensor 100 to prevent the cross-diffusion of target gas to the sensingelectrode 115. This configuration may allow the conduction pathway toplace the sensing electrode 115 relatively close to the counterelectrode 111 without any target gas generated at the counter electrode111 reaching the sensing electrode 115. The use of a diffusion barriermay also allow the separator 120 to be positioned within a compactsensor while providing the separation needed to control the spiking typeerrors. In some embodiments of the sensor 100, the body 102 may compriseone or more breather slots 220 (described in more detail below).

As shown in FIG. 2, the diffusion barrier can be formed around thesensing electrode 115 while the reference electrode 113 and the counterelectrode 111 are disposed outside of the area defined by the diffusionbarrier. The diffusion barrier can comprise a seal formed between thecap 106 and the body 102. In an embodiment, the seal can comprise ashoulder 202 formed on the body 102 and/or the cap 106, with acorresponding recess 204 or mating structure on the other component. Acompliant material may be disposed on the shoulder 202 and/or the recess204 to form a seal between the body 102 and the cap 106. The shoulder202 can be formed from the same material as the body 102 and/or the cap106, and may comprise an integral structure with the body 102 or the cap106. The compliant seal, when present, may comprise any impermeablematerials that is inert with respect to the electrolyte and has asufficiently low gas permeation rate to ensure a low dissolved targetgas concentration is maintained in the electrolyte around the sensingelectrode 115.

When the cap 106 and the body 102 are enclosed, the shoulder 202 maycontact the recess 204, and any compliant seal may be positioned therebetween so that a seal is formed in the area around the sensingelectrode 115. In some embodiments, a joining process (e.g., ultrasonicwelding, etc.) can be used to fuse the two components to enhance theseal between the body 102 and the cap 106. A similar barrier may beformed around the perimeter of the body 102 and the cap 106 as part ofthe manufacturing process for the sensor 100 to seal the housing andprevent the electrolyte from leaking.

In some embodiments, a small gap may exist between the shoulder 202 andthe recess 204, or at an edge of the joint between the shoulder 202 andthe recess 204. When the material of the shoulder 202 and the recess 204are hydrophilic, a small amount of the electrolyte may be retained inthe gap due to capillary action, resulting in a layer of the electrolytebeing maintained at the seal between the cap 106 and the body 102. Therelatively small gap size along with the electrolyte disposed in the gapmay form a diffusion barrier that has a greater diffusional resistancethan the separator 120, thereby effectively limiting the diffusion ofany gas through the chamber edge as compared to the diffusional paththrough the separator 120.

When the body 102 and the cap 106 are engaged, a chamber 206 can beformed by an inner surface of the body 102, an inner surface of the cap106, and the inner surface of the shoulder 202. The edge seal may alsodefine a surface of the chamber 206. The chamber 206 may have an opening208 through which the separator 120 retaining the electrolyte canextend. Within the chamber 206, the separator 120 may be positioned tomaintain contact between the electrolyte and the sensing electrode 115.The separator 120 retaining the electrolyte may substantially fill theopening 208 so that any gas within the sensor 100 is substantiallyprevented from entering the chamber 206 through a convective flow.

When the separator 120 substantially fills the opening 208, the targetgas reaching the sensing electrode 115 may originate from target gasdiffusing through the electrolyte retained in the separator 120 fromoutside of the chamber 206, for example, as resulting from agas/electrolyte interface outside of the chamber 206. The distancebetween the opening 208 and the sensing electrode 115 may be smallcompared to the conduction pathway length between the counter electrode111 and the sensing electrode 115. In an embodiment, the portion of theseparator 120 contained within the chamber 206 may be configured toprovide a target gas concentration within the electrolyte within theseparator 120 corresponding to less than about a 1%, less than about a0.8%, less than about a 0.6%, less than about a 0.4%, less than about a0.2%, or less than about a 0.1% target gas concentration at the sensingelectrode 115. In an embodiment, the distance between the opening 208and the sensing electrode 115 may be between about 0.1 mm and about 4mm, or between about 0.5 mm and about 1.5 mm. A similar distance may beprovided around the sensing electrode 115 within the chamber 206 in theevent that any target gas is able to enter the chamber 206 through theseal.

The positioning of the sensing electrode 115 within the chamber 206 maylimit the area of the gas/electrolyte interface and reduce or prevent agas/electrolyte interface within the chamber 206, which can limit thepotential for creating a high target gas concentration at or near thesensing electrode 115. Rather, any target gas diffusing to the sensingelectrode 115 must diffuse through the electrolyte in the separator 120over a short distance between the exterior of the chamber 206 and thesensing electrode 115 within the chamber 206. The resulting zone ofdecreased target gas concentration within the electrolyte may help limitthe potential for the target gas concentration to exceed a saturationconcentration in the electrolyte within the chamber 206. Any gasevolving due to a temperature rise may then be prevented from reachingthe sensing electrode 115 except through the electrolyte in theseparator 120.

In any of the embodiments described herein, the geometry of theseparator 120 may affect the flux of target gas to the sensing electrode115 through the electrolyte in the separator 120, and the geometry canbe selected so that the rate of target gas diffusion to the sensingelectrode 115 is less than a consumption rate of target gas at thesensing electrode 115 (e.g., an oxygen reduction rate at the sensingelectrode 115). The thickness of the separator 120 (e.g., a distanceperpendicular to the plane of the separator 120) near the chamber 206may be determined by the available distance between the cap 106 and thebody 102 when the sensor is assembled. In an embodiment, the separator120 may contact both the cap 106 and the body 102. In some embodiments,the thickness of the separator 120 may be between about 0.5 mm and about5 mm. The width of the separator 120 at the opening 208 may be based ona total area available for the diffusion of target gas into the chamber206 through the electrolyte retained in the pores of the separator 120.In general, the area for diffusion (e.g., the product of the width timesthe thickness along with the porosity of the separator 120) may affectthe total amount of target gas diffusing into the chamber 206 throughthe electrolyte to contact the sensing electrode 115. In someembodiments, the width of the separator 120 at the opening 208 may bebetween about 0.5 mm and about 20 mm, between about 5 mm and about 17mm, or between about 6 mm and about 15 mm. The selection of the materialfor the separator 120, the selection of the electrolyte and electrolyteconcentration, and/or the desired target gas detection range can affectthe selection of the available area of the separator 120 at the opening208.

In use, the sensor 100 can detect a target gas concentration of a gas inthe environment in which the sensor 100 is disposed. Referring to FIG. 1and FIG. 2, the gas in the environment around the sensor 100 can enterthe housing through an inlet opening 140 so that the target gas can bereceived within the housing. As described herein, the housing cancomprise the counter electrode 111, the reference electrode 113, and thesensing electrode 115. The target gas can contact the separator 120retaining the electrolyte. The separator 120 with the electrolyteretained therein forms the ionically conductive pathway between each ofthe electrodes 111, 113, 115, which can be disposed in a planaralignment. In an oxygen sensor, a potentiostatic circuit can be used tomaintain a potential of the sensing electrode 115 lower than thereference electrode 113, and as a result, the target gas may begin to bereduced at the sensing electrode 115 while water is oxidized at thecounter electrode 111. The target gas can thus be consumed at thesensing electrode 115 and regenerated at the counter electrode 111.Alternatively, in another electrochemical sensor, a potentiostaticcircuit may maintain a potential of the sensing electrode 115 higherthan the reference electrode 113. The target gas generated at thecounter electrode 111 can pass through a diffusional barrier and passout of the sensor 100 through an exhaust opening 142. A target gasconcentration gradient can then be formed in the electrolyte in theseparator 120 between the counter electrode 111 and the sensingelectrode 115. A current can be developed based on the reaction of thetarget gas and water at the sensing electrode 115 and the counterelectrode 111, which may allow the target gas concentration in the gascontacting the separator 120 to be determined.

During the detection process, the target gas concentration in theelectrolyte at or near the sensing electrode 115 can be limited to lessthan a threshold amount. In general, the target gas concentration in theelectrolyte in the separator 120 can be limited to less than asaturation concentration at a predetermined temperature, and in someembodiments, the target gas concentration in the electrolyte in theseparator 120 can be limited to less than a percentage of a saturationconcentration at a predetermined temperature. In an embodiment thelength of the separator 120 and the distance between the counterelectrode 111 and the sensing electrode 115 can be selected so that thetarget gas concentration along the target gas concentration gradient isbelow the threshold at or near the sensing electrode 115. For example,the target gas concentration along the target gas gradient may be belowthe saturation concentration in the electrolyte at a predeterminedtemperature, or below a percentage of a saturation concentration at thepredetermined temperature, within about 0.5 mm, within about 1 mm,within about 2 mm, within about 4 mm, or within about 5 mm of thesensing electrode 115.

In some embodiments, the sensing electrode 115 can be disposed withinthe chamber 206 formed within the housing. The separator 120 can extendinto the chamber 206 to provide contact between the electrolyte in theseparator 120 and the sensing electrode 115. The separator 120 can bepositioned within the chamber 206 and the opening 208 to prevent orlimit any gas/electrolyte contact within chamber 206. Controlling howgas moves within the sensor 100 may rely on the fact that gas diffusionthrough the gas phase is orders of magnitude faster than gas diffusionthrough liquid. Therefore, while a wetted separator is a very effectivebarrier to gas diffusion, even a small void or aperture can immediatelycreate a relatively facile gas path. Thus, the separator must completelyfill the opening 208 in the barrier to provide the required control. Insome embodiments, some amount of gas/electrolyte contact may occurwithin the chamber 206, but the gas may not be able to be exchanged witha gas outside of the chamber 206, thereby limiting the potential for theformation of a high-target gas concentration gas contacting theelectrolyte in the separator 120 near to the sensing electrode 115. Theuse of the chamber 206 may limit the rate at which the target gas candiffuse to the sensing electrode 115 during the detection process andthereby limit the target gas concentration along the target gas gradientnear the sensing electrode 115 to less than the threshold amount.

In some embodiments, limiting the target gas concentration in theelectrolyte can include limiting the diffusional flux of target gasthrough the electrolyte in the separator 120 to less than a rate oftarget gas oxidation and/or reduction at the sensing electrode 115. Insome embodiments, the diffusional flux may be controlled to be lowerthan the lowest detection limit required of the sensor. The choice ofthe geometry of the separator 120, the geometry of the chamber 206, theuse of one or more breather slots, and/or the relative positioning ofthe electrodes may all be used to limit the diffusion of target gas inthe electrolyte to and/or from the sensing electrode 115.

In the sensor 300 shown in FIG. 3, the sensor 300 may comprise a body330, a support table 302, one or more O-rings 334 located below thesupport table 302, a shaped separator 312, a reference electrode 308, acounter electrode 310, and a sensing electrode 306. The sensor 300 mayalso comprise a vent membrane 314, a sensing electrode diffuser 316, andone or more contact pressure pads 318 operable to apply pressure to theone or more electrodes 306, 308, 310. The sensor 300 may also comprise atop cap 320 with a sealing ring, an adhesive ring 322, a condensationblocker 324, a dust membrane 328 and dust membrane support 326. As shownin the sensor 300, an injection molded thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) (orsimilar soft material) can be molded to positions on one or moresurfaces of the sensor 300. For example, TPE can be molded to one ormore surfaces of the body 330 and/or support table 302, where the TPEcan aid in creating a seal at different material interfaces. This mayprevent electrolyte leaking out of the sensor at the TPE to plasticinterfaces and the TPE to electrode material interfaces, and may preventthe electrolyte from contacting corrodible parts, such as the contactpins 332. The compliant nature of the TPE can also take up voids aroundthe sensing electrode 306 further reducing the opportunity of havingsmall air pockets migrating to the sensing electrode 306 and/orreference electrode 308, potentially creating signal instability and/orfalse alarms. The molded TPE may prevent gases (e.g., O₂ on the sensingelectrode 306, other cross sensitive gases on the reference electrode308, etc.) from entering the sensor 300 via the TPE to plastic interfaceand reacting on the electrodes 306, 308, 310. As shown in FIG. 3, thesupport table 302 may comprise a raised ring 304 operable to seal aroundthe sensing electrode 306, when the sensor 300 is assembled. In someembodiments of the sensor 300, the support table 302 may comprise one ormore breather slots 340 (described in more detail below).

The sensor 300 may be assembled by over-molding the plastic bodycomponent using a suitable material, in this case TPE. One or moreapplications or components could be used, although for cost reasons, asingle over-molded application to create the pin seals, oxygen crossover barrier, and/or reference cross over barrier can be used. Thecompression of the seals may be in the same direction as the componentassembly, in this case the Z direction, to facilitate fault finding,although it is possible to assemble in the Z direction and seal in the Xand Y directions. The area of the electrode backing tape that is notcovered by catalyst may be compressed with the TPE to remove any voidsin this area.

In order to reduce any current loss resulting from internal electricalresistance between the electrodes and the current collectors and/orcontact pins, a low contact resistance between the current collector andthe electrode surface is useful. Typical contact solutions within gassensors rely on the compression of porous separator components tophysically push the current collector into contact with the electrodematerial. However, this type of compression can result inover-compression of materials such as the separator that is electricallynon-conducting and has a low mechanical strength and poor elasticity.Geometric tolerances of the internal sensor components surrounding thecompressed separator, variations in the mechanical properties of theseparator under compressive load forces, and the susceptibility of allsupporting components to compressive creep affect the compression forceused to obtain a low contact resistance. Additionally, throughout theoperational lifetime of the sensor, the compressive force applied by theseparator material on the current collector can be affected by themechanical forces resulting from external stresses such as vibration,impact, and thermal cycling. For many sensor designs, the resultantincrease in electrical contact resistance can potentially result invarious failure modes such as partial/complete loss of sensor outputand/or slow speed of response to the target gas.

In order to address potential over-compression issues, the elements ofthe sensor may be designed to separate the compression requirements forensuring contact between the electrolyte-retaining materials with theelectrodes (e.g., the separator, etc.) and between the electricalcontacts by which the electrodes are connected to the external circuit.The separation of the compression regions may allow a solid pin (e.g., acontact pin surface) to contact the electrode, rather than requiring anintermediate connection to a flexible ribbon current connector, which iscompatible with compression within a stack.

FIG. 4 illustrates a means of facilitating hard contact points betweenelectrodes and current collectors in electrochemical sensors. The sensor400 shown in FIG. 4 takes the electrical connection between eachelectrode 410 and its associated contact pin outside of the electrodestack (defined as the area of layered components wherein each componentis in intimate contact with components both above and below it). Thesensor 400 can have an alternative electrode geometry (shown in FIG. 5A)that incorporates at least one protruding tab 411 that can be orientedto the point of electrical connection to the pin outside of theelectrode stack where a hard plastic or sprung plug 412 can be used tocreate a low contact resistance under high compressive force withoutapplying the compressive force to the separators 404 within theelectrode stack. In an embodiment of the sensor 400, one or more of theseparators 404 may comprise a shape matched to the electrode 410 shownin FIG. 5A, where the tab of the separator 404 may be compressed withthe tab of the electrodes 410. The electrical contact can be made withthe electrode material. When a separator 404 is present, a foil or othercontact can extend between the electrode and the separator, where thepresence of the separator should not interfere with the electricalcontact formed by the compression of the materials. Utilizing aprotruding tab 411 has the added benefit that a sensor designer may beable to optimize the electrode stack compression differently than theelectrical contact compression to thereby provide for effectiveelectrolyte wicking and retention by the porous separator material(s)and extend the operational humidity and temperature range(s) of thesensor 400.

The sensor 400 may comprise a housing 401 defining an interior space (orreservoir) 430. The sensor 400 may comprise one or more separators 404(also shown in FIG. 5B), wherein the separators 404 may be shaped to fitaround the plugs 412. In an embodiment of the sensor 400, the electrodes410 may comprise a shape matched to the separator 404 shown in FIG. 5B,where the edges of the electrodes 410 and/or separator 404 may becompressed by the plugs 412. In the sensor 400 shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, aflexible current collector 414 may be electrically coupled to theelectrodes and the external contact pins. A portion of the currentcollector(s) 414 may be held between the tabs 411 of the electrodes 410and the plugs 412, wherein the plugs 412 create a first compressionforce on the portion of the current collector 414 and the tab 411. Theplugs 412 can comprise a resilient material that provides a biasingforce when compressed. The plugs 412 can also be formed from achemically inert material to avoid corrosion issues within the sensorwhen contacted by the electrolyte. The electrode stack may be heldbetween the top cap 402 and the table 420. During assembly of the sensor400, the electrode stack can be placed under a second compression forceby the assembly of the top cap 402 and the table 420. The firstcompression force may be different from the second compression force. Inan embodiment of the sensor, the first compression force may be greaterthan the second compression force. Alternatively, the second compressionforce may be greater than the first compression force. In FIG. 6, thetop cap 402 of the sensor 400 may comprise an indent 403 allowing thetab 411 to extend into the indent 403.

In some aspects, a lead frame can be used to improve contact between acurrent collector or contact pin and an electrode in an electrochemicalgas sensor. This configuration may help to avoid the use of currentcollectors and improve sealing around the edges of electrodes to preventgas access via diffusion, bulk flow etc. As shown in FIG. 7, instead ofusing a wire or ribbon current collector pressed against the sensingelectrode, the edges of the electrode 710 and/or the supporting tape (orseparator) 712 may be clamped between two or more parts of the housing702 and 704. The housing 704 may comprise a polymer with a molded-inlead frame 714 so that the lead frame 714 contacts the edge of electrode710. The housing 702 and 704 may be designed such that the lead frame714 does not contact the electrolyte 718 but is sealed from it bycompression against the electrode 710 and supporting tape 712.Alternatively, exposed parts of lead frame 714 could be plated with ametal which will not adversely interact with the electrolyte, includingany of those metals described herein with respect to the contact pinssuch as gold, platinum, silver, tantalum, niobium, tin, or the like,where the composition may depend on the electrolyte used.

In FIG. 7, the electrode 710 is supported on supporting tape 712. Theedge 711 of the electrode 710 and backing tape 712 can be clampedbetween two parts of housing 702 and 704 which may optionally contain amolded in lead frame 714. The approach may be used with the sensingelectrode where regions 718 and 716 can be electrolyte and airrespectively, or a reference or counter electrode where regions 718 and716 may both be electrolyte. Additionally, the approach of clamping theedge 711 may be used with a separator or ionically conducting membranein place of the supporting tape 712 as a diffusion or bulk flow barrier,in which case the electrode 710 and lead frame 714 may not be required.

As shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the sensor 800 may use contact pins 802 passingthrough the sensor body to press directly against the electrode. Therequired compression can be applied via a compliant pad such as theplugs described herein. As described in more detail herein, thecompression of the contact pins 802 with the electrodes may be separatefrom the compression applied to the electrolyte containing wickingelements (e.g., one or more separators, etc.) in the sensor. Sealing ofthe contact pins 802 against electrolyte leakage may be achieved by avariety of methods. For example, the sealing may be achieved by usingepoxy potting at the base of the contact pins. The sealing mayalternatively or additionally use a long molded-in section with barb orside extension structures to increase electrolyte tracking path-lengthbetween the contact pin surface and the wall of the housing. The overallpath-length used to prevent leaks can increase the thickness of the wallsection as the path-length increases, wherein the path-length may belimited in some instances by the available thickness of the wallsection. The seal may also use one or more O-ring seals disposed in asuitable recess in the contact pin and/or body. In some designs,over-molded O-ring seals can be used instead of separate seal componentsdisposed in any recesses.

The material of the contact pins 802 in any of the configurationsdescribed in this entire disclosure can be chosen to protect the pinsfrom the electrolyte. For example, the connector pins can be formed froman electrically conductive and corrosive material (brass, nickel,copper, or the like) which may be plated or coated to reduce degradationdue to the contact with the electrolyte. For example, the coating maycomprise one of gold, tungsten, niobium, tantalum, platinum, or anyalloy or combination thereof. Alternatively, the material of theconnector pins may be non-corrosive. Exemplary materials include gold,tungsten, niobium, tantalum, platinum, or any alloy or combinationthereof.

While the above sensor is described in the context of an oxygen sensor,similar concepts and practices could be used in a variety ofelectrochemical sensors.

In some aspects, wicking structures can be used with the sensor toimprove the sensor performance. Electrochemical systems employ a varietyof electrolytes having a range of physical properties. Typically,successful practical designs for small, low cost, low power sensors mayrely on liquid electrolytes such as sulfuric acid. Despite thechallenges involved in retaining such aggressive materials withinhousings and dealing with material compatibility issues, liquidelectrolytes still may offer improved environmental performance, whichis a key driver for devices which must operate in a wide range ofenvironmental conditions, including a large range in temperatures andhumidity.

Proper transport of the electrolyte within the sensor allows theseparator, and more particularly the desired portions of the separator,to remain wetted to maintain proper operation of the sensors. Ingeneral, the electrochemical reactions occur at the three-phaseinterface between the catalysts, gas, and electrolyte. For systemsutilizing liquid electrolytes, the electrolyte must be transported froma reservoir to the areas adjacent to the electrodes to form thethree-phase interface. If the electrolyte is not adequately transportedto the appropriate locations within the separator, then a sensor placedunder environmental stress may fail due to an inadequate formation ofthe three-phase interface. For example, the separator may dry out at ornear an electrode, resulting in an inadequate performance of the sensor.

In order to improve the electrolyte transport within the sensor,channels can be used within the sensor that preferentially move theliquid to the perimeter of the reservoir where the electrolyte can betransported into contact with the separator and/or a specially formedand treated separator, which is differentially compressed by matingfeatures on the sensor casing parts.

The channels can be used in conjunction with wicking features totransport the electrolyte to the internal components in order for themto function correctly. For example, gas diffusion electrodes need to bepartially wetted and provided with ionic connection between otherelectrodes in order to produce a functional electrochemical cell andseparators require the electrolyte to form barriers to internal gasflow. Additionally, the ratio between the total available internal freespace and the electrolyte volume contributes to (and may define) theenvironmental “window” (or time to failure) under specified operationalenvironmental conditions of temperature and humidity, and so it isdesirable to utilize a component that fills as small a volume aspossible in order to improve the environmental window for the product.

In an embodiment of a sensor, the walls, floor, and ceiling of thereservoir may be utilized to create surface “buttresses” provided withchannels, where the dimensions of the channels are chosen to promoteelectrolyte transport. In some aspects, larger channels can be used todirect the fluid flow to certain areas within the reservoir where theelectrolyte can contact wicking features. The dimensions of the wickingfeatures may be small enough to create a capillary effect, allowing theliquid electrolyte to be transported by the channels to the separator.The one or more molded or machined channels located within the reservoirmay be used to transport the free electrolyte towards a separatormaterial, which has a pore size volume distribution under the localconditions of compression to produce a differential capillary attractionwhich draws the electrolyte from the mechanical wicking channel into theseparator to thereby enable both the separator and contacting gasdiffusion electrodes to function correctly. By using the appropriatecombination of larger channels to direct the electrolyte and wickingfeatures to transport the electrolyte from the reservoir to theseparator, the location of the wetting of the separator can becontrolled to some degree. For example, the wicking features may bealigned to provide the electrolyte at or near one or more of theelectrodes.

As shown in FIG. 8A, the base of the housing 804 may comprise one ormore pins 802 (described above). The pins 802 may fit into bosses 805,wherein the bosses 805 may comprise narrow corners 806 at the attachmentpoint between the bosses 805 and the housing 804. These corners 806 mayhave features comprising at least three-sided channels with dimensionsthat are suitable for wicking the electrolyte located within the housing804 upward toward the pins 802, wherein the electrolyte may be directedinto the separator at or near the contact point with the pins 802.Additionally, the housing may comprise one or more wicking channels 808located throughout the base of the housing 804, wherein the wickingchannels 808 may be operable to direct electrolyte flow, particularlywhen the level of electrolyte within the reservoir of the housing 804 islow. In other words, the channels 808 may cause the electrolyte to flowand/or be directed by capillary forces to the corners 806 of the bosses805, where the electrolyte may then be directed upward, via capillaryforces at the corners 806, into the separator.

In some embodiments, one or more surfaces of the channels 808 and/or thecapillaries can be surface treated to provide a suitably attractivefinish to aid in directing the fluid flow. For example, when theelectrolyte comprises an aqueous fluid, the surfaces can be treated tobe hydrophilic to attract the electrolyte and aid in transporting theelectrolyte to the desired area in the base and into the separator.Various surface treatments such as a plasma treatment can be used tomodify the surface. In some embodiments, portions of the base can betreated to be hydrophobic to direct the electrolyte to the desiredwicking areas, which can then be suitably hydrophilic. The selection ofmaterial for the formation of the base may also be based on the type ofelectrolyte to take into account the desire to direct the flow of thefluid into the desired area. For non-aqueous electrolytes, the surfacetreatment can be selected to produce the desired attractive or repulsiveforces to help direct the electrolyte to the wicking features.

FIG. 8B shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled sensor 800, wherethe channels 808 may direct electrolyte flow within the reservoir 810toward the corner 806 of the boss 805. Then, the corner 806 may directelectrolyte flow into the separator 812. The channels 808 may beparticularly effective in areas located furthest from the bosses 805along relatively large, flat surfaces along the base of the housing 804.

In some sensors, the channels 808 may comprise a width of approximately250 micrometers (μm). In some sensors, the channels 808 may comprise awidth of approximately 300 μm. In some sensors, the channels 808 maycomprise a width between approximately 200 μm and 400 μm. In somesensors, the channels 808 may comprise a width between approximately 100μm and 500 μm. In some sensors, the channels 808 may comprise a widthless than approximately 500 μm. In some sensors, the channels 808 maycomprise a depth of approximately 500 μm. In some sensors, the channels808 may comprise a depth less than approximately 600 μm. In someembodiments, the channels 808 can be significantly larger (e.g., toserver as bulk flow channels) and only the wicking features 806 at oraround the bosses 805 may comprise small dimensions.

The use of the channels, as described above, may ensure that even whenthere is relatively little electrolyte within the sensor, theelectrolyte is localized at or near wicking features and then moved (viathe channels) to the points where the buttresses intersect theseparator. The separator may then absorb the liquid, thereby ensuringthat the electrodes are preferentially wetted. This functionality isassisted by the use of differential compression and/or selective controlof the degree of hydrophobicity of different regions of the separator.The buttresses may access the separator at a number of cut-outs aroundthe perimeter of the support table which align with the capillarybuttresses in the reservoir walls below.

When the electrolyte volume is high (for example after extended periodsspent in high humidity environments), there is likely to be freeelectrolyte (i.e. not localized within the separator or the buttressslots) within the reservoir. In this case, depending upon theorientation of the sensor, the electrolyte may additionally contact theseparator through the free space where the counter electrode breathertab (as described in more detail herein) can pass through the supporttable and/or through the breather slots in the support table under thecounter electrode.

The use of channels within the reservoir may reduce the part countnecessary to produce the internal capillary forces required fordirectional flow of an aqueous electrolyte. Introducing sharp geometricedges, either by insert molding or machining, may create high energysurfaces that preferentially wet and produce desirable differentialsurface energies that effectively retain the electrolyte within themechanical wicking “channel”. The effectiveness and wettability of awicking channel (generated by higher surface energy) seems frompractical experimentation to be superior for channels previously wettedby acid and/or plasma conditioning.

Referring now to FIG. 9A the mechanical wicking features in the housing904 comprise a mixture of channels 908 and vertical ridges (orbuttresses) 905 whose profile includes narrow portions 906 shaped topromote the required capillary motion of electrolyte. In the housing 904shown in FIG. 9A the connection pins 902 are encased in the housing 904along only a portion of their length. This may provide manufacturingadvantages (in terms of pin retention in the molding tool used to formthe housing), and may provide a flat top to the boss 903 where an O ring922 (shown in FIG. 9C) can be located as an electrolyte seal.

As the pin bosses 903 no longer reach the table, additional upstandingbuttresses 905 have been added to transport electrolyte up the sidewalls (‘up’ refers to the ‘normal’ sensor orientation but is understoodto have little meaning in practical applications where the device canrest in any orientation). Referring now to FIG. 9B, the table 910 maycomprise saucer-shape connection points 912 operable to fit over thepins 902 held within the housing 904, wherein an O-ring may fit betweenthe bosses 903 and the connection points 912. Additionally, the table910 may comprise indentations 914 around the edge of the table, wherethe buttresses 905 may mate with these indentations 914 and thereforeallow contact with the separator (wherein the table 910 may be locatedbetween the buttresses 905 and the separator. The table 910 may alsocomprise wicking channels 918 operable to direct electrolyte toward theindentations 914.

Referring now to FIG. 9C, an exploded view of the electrochemical gassensor 900 is shown. As described above, O-rings 922 may fit over thepins 902 within the housing 904, and the table 910 may fit over theO-rings 922. The O-rings 922 may be compressed by the saucer-shapedfeatures on the underside of the table 910. The separator 920 may belocated against a surface of the table 910, wherein electrolyte may bewicked through the table 910 into the separator 920. The separator 920may be in contact with a plurality of electrodes 930, 932, and 934. Atop cap 924 may fit over the other elements onto the top of the housing904, wherein compression plugs 936 may be located over the contactpoints between the pins 902 and the electrodes (where the pins 902extend through the table 910 and the separator 920). The top cap 924 mayalso comprise a filter 926, a restrictor 928 and/or a dust cover 929located over the inlet/outlet of the sensor 900.

The sensor table 910 may comprise a rectangular cutout 916 to allow aprotrusion feature 925 of the top cap 924, as well as a breather tab 931to pass through the table 910 into the housing 904 (as described in moredetail below).

FIG. 9D illustrates another embodiment of a table 940 comprisingsaucer-shaped connection points 942, indentations 944, and wickingchannels 948. The pattern of the wicking channels 948 may vary dependingon the application and use of the sensor. Additionally, the table 940may comprise a cut-out 946 located somewhere within the table 940.

FIGS. 9E-9G illustrates an assembly of the sensor 900. The O-rings 922may be installed over the pins 902 of the housing 904. The top cap 924may be assembled with the table 910 (and separator) and installed ontothe housing 904, wherein the table 910 contacts the O-rings 922. FIG. 9Gshows the assembled sensor 900.

The sensors as described herein can use a suitable electrolyte toprovide the ionic conduction of charge necessary for correctelectrochemical operation. Typically, sensor designs have electrodecomponents nominally perpendicular to a common axis, referred tohereafter as a “stacked” design. Such stacked designs can include aplurality of separators between the stacked electrodes to electricallyisolate the electrodes while maintaining the electrolyte in contact withthe electrodes.

Typical separators may be formed from fiber sheet material that is cutor punched into a simple geometric shape for ease of manufacture. Whenfilled with an electrolyte, the separator may bias the effective crosssectional areas of the interfacial phases towards solid/liquid/solid(e.g., catalyst/electrolyte/catalyst) interfaces rather than theliquid/gas (e.g., electrolyte/internal “air” reservoir) interfaces atthe edges of these stacked components.

In an embodiment of a sensor, the sensor may comprise a shaped separatorcontaining electrolyte that is in intimate contact with two or threeelectrodes orientated nominally in a common plane, referred to hereafteras a “planar” design, to provide the ionic connectivity required foroperation of an electrochemical sensor. A planar arrangement ofelectrodes offers a practical solution to the primary issue ofseparately improving the compression required for fluid transport andelectrical connectivity, as described in more detail herein.

Lateral separation of electrodes allows separation and simplified, moreaccurate control of the compression applied to fluid transport andconnection aspects. For example, one separator overlaying an electrode(which can be connected electrically via a completely different part ofthe structure) has a more controllably defined compressibility than aconventional stacked design having 3 electrodes, 3 or more separators,insulators, and current collectors, all of which can have competingcompression needs. In addition to better fundamental control, the planararrangement also allows lateral variation of compression across thesewell-defined structures which can be beneficial (e.g., in promotingand/or selectively controlling electrolyte transport). This can beachieved by hard features on the sensor casing and/or table toincrease/decrease pressure on chosen areas of absorbents. For example, adistance or gap between the sensor casing and table can vary laterallyto thereby variably compress the separator across the sensor. Anotherbenefit of planar designs is that the overall volume of separatormaterial required to ensure the full electrode areas remain in contactwith electrolyte is reduced, even without shrinking the size of theelectrodes themselves.

A planar electrode arrangement can use a planar separator arrangement. Aplanar separator allows for the use of a single shaped component ratherthan separate components for each separator, thereby allowing forsimplifications in assembly and improvements in reliability. Planarseparators can suffer from electrolyte transport issues, which mayresult in portions of the separator having an insufficient supply ofelectrolyte, even while other portions may be saturated with theelectrolyte. This may be true, for example, when a gas is evolved froman electrode, which can result in the evaporation of a portion of theelectrolyte. As a result, electrolyte transport within the planarseparator may need to be controlled during operation.

The variance in geometry of the shaped planar separator may also allowthe ionic resistance between the electrode pairs to be selectivelymodified during the design and construction of the sensor. For example,a thin strip of wetted separator may connect an “isolated” (e.g., notlocated directly on a flow path between the sensing and counterelectrode) reference electrode to the potentiostatic controlled sensingelectrode, providing similar functionality to that of a “Luggin”capillary.

Forming the shaped separator may comprise laser cutting of a sheetmaterial, which may allow for complex and accurate parts to bemanufactured, thereby reducing geometric tolerances in the X-Y plane andreducing variations in the stack compression due to the localized glassdensity, pore volume, and tortuosity. By reducing the number ofseparator layers used for a typical stacked sensor design and the largecross sectional areas of the separator that are used to provide asufficiently large area of contact between opposing separators, the“environmental window” (as described above) of operation can beincreased as a result of needing less electrolyte to wet the smallervolume of separator material.

Further modification of the glass density, and thereby the porosity ofthe separator, can be made in the Z axis by local compression of theseparator between opposing faces of the sensor enclosure, care beingrequired not to damage the fibers (e.g., glass fibers, polymer fibers,etc.) of the separator. The separator might be configured to improve theelectrochemical performance of the electrochemical sensor, for example,by reducing any “polarization” effects associated with the local protonconcentration in the electrolyte which can lead to a dramaticdisturbance in the electrochemistry occurring at the three electrodes.

Additional benefits to a planar electrode and separator configurationcan include the effective formation of a feature known in the industryas a “partition” between the reference and sensing electrodes. Accordingto standard fluid dynamics for a non-compressible liquid in a tube (e.g.the Hagen-Poiseuille equation states that the volumetric flow rate isinversely proportional the length of the tube, analogous to the lengthof the porous wetted separator in this case) the increased resistance toelectrolyte flow will effectively make the sensor more tolerant tointernal pressure differences resulting from environmental transients ofpressure and/or temperature that might generate a current “spike” or“glitch,” as described in more detail herein. However, any increase inthe resistance to electrolyte flow may also reduce the ability for theelectrolyte to flow and wet various areas of the separator.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exploded view of a sensor 1000, wherein thesensor 1000 comprises a body 1004 and base 1002. The body 1004 maycomprise contact pins 1006 operable to pass through a separator 1012(which may be a shaped separator) to contact electrodes (counterelectrode 1010, reference electrode 1008, and sensing electrode 1009).The sensor 1000 may also comprise pressure pads 1018 operable to applypressure to the electrodes 1008, 1009, 1010 and the contact pins 1006 toensure a low resistance electrically coupling between the contact pins1006 and the electrodes 1008, 1009, 1010. As noted herein, currentcollectors could also be used in various configurations to electricallycouple the contact pins 1006 with the electrodes 1008, 1009, 1010. Thesensor 1000 may also comprise a top cap 1020 operable to seal with thebody 1004, as well as a carbon cloth 1022, or other filter(s) ormembranes.

The shaped separator 1012 can be used to create an ionic path with thewidth of the separator 1012 controlling the ionic resistance betweeneach electrode. Also, the separator 1012 can create electrical isolationbetween the electrodes when required. The separator 1012 also provideswater management by compression of specific areas of the separator 1012,or by thinning the separator 1012 with a laser, both of which can beused to control the local density and porosity of the separator 1012.The separator 1012 may create a wetted barrier to prevent gases (e.g.,gases comprising oxygen) from directly contacting the sensing electrode1009. By using the shaped separator 1012, the force (or pressure)required to create an electrical contact with the electrodes may beseparately controlled from the compression force required for thedesired level of capillary action through the separator 1012.

Controlling the density and/or compression of the separator 1012 alongits length may allow for one or more gradients to be formed within theseparator 1012 material, where the flow of the electrolyte through theseparator 1012 may be controlled by the gradients. The separator 1012may be formed of a fiber material (such as glass fibers) where thefibers may have a consistent size or diameter. Therefore, when portionsof the fiber material are removed, and the separator is compressedwithin the assembled sensor, different sized voids may be createdbetween the glass fibers. This may create differences in capillaryattraction within the separator 1012 and therefore directionality forthe electrolyte to flow within the separator 1012. The voids may alsocreate localized reservoirs for retention of the electrolyte. Theretained electrolyte can then flow into an area as needed in the eventof electrolyte loss, for example as a result of drying out at one ormore locations (e.g., at or near an electrode).

An application of this technique may allow for localization ofelectrolyte around one or more of the electrodes. For example, waterexchange between the interior and exterior of the sensor may occur morerapidly at certain locations within the sensor (such as the counterelectrode and/or the sensing electrode). By altering the density andcompression of the separator, the flow of the electrolyte within theseparator may be directed toward these locations where water is lost,increasing the performance of the sensor. Additionally, the flow of theelectrolyte within the separator may be controlled for sensors used inextreme dry or wet conditions, depending on the problems created withinthe sensor by these conditions.

FIG. 11 shows the shaped separator 1012, which may be defined as“planar.” The separator 1012 may be formed from any of the materialsdescribed herein as being used to form the separator 1012. The planarshaped separator 1012 may comprise a width 1102, a length 1104, and athickness 1106. The planar shaped separator 1012 may also compriseelements (contact points, cut-outs, thinned portions, shaped portions)which may vary and may be adjusted based on the application and use ofthe separator 1012.

In an embodiment of a planar separator 1012, the ratio of the length1104 and/or width 1102 to the overall thickness 1106 may be at least20/1. In an embodiment of a planar separator 1012, the ratio of thelength 1104 and/or width 1102 to the overall thickness 1106 may be atleast 40/1. In an embodiment of a planar separator 1012, the ratio ofthe length 1104 and/or width 1102 to the overall thickness 1106 may beapproximately 70/1.

In an embodiment of a planar separator 1012, the thickness 1106 may beless than approximately 10% of the width 1102 and/or length 1104. In anembodiment of a planar separator 1012, the thickness 1106 may be lessthan approximately 2% of the width 1102 and/or length 1104. In anembodiment of a planar separator 1012, the thickness 1106 may beapproximately 1.5% of the width 1102 and/or length 1104.

In some cases, the separator 1012 may have a thickness 1106 of less thanapproximately 0.5 millimeters (mm). In some cases, the separator 1012may have a thickness 1106 of approximately 0.25 mm. In some cases, theseparator 1012 may have a width 1102 of at least approximately 5 mm. Insome cases, the separator 1012 may have a width 1102 of at leastapproximately 10 mm. In some cases, the separator 1012 may have a width1102 of approximately 17.5 mm. In some cases, the separator 1012 mayhave a length 1104 of at least approximately 5 mm. In some cases, theseparator 1012 may have a length 1104 of at least approximately 10 mm.In some cases, the separator 1012 may have a length 1104 ofapproximately 17 mm.

The separator 1012 may comprise openings (or contacts) 1110, 1112, and1114 for providing contact points between the electrodes and the pins.The distance along the separator 1012 between the contacts 1110 and 1112may be at least approximately 10 mm (between counter electrode 1010 andreference electrode 1008). In some cases, the distance along theseparator 1012 between the contacts 1110 and 1112 may be at leastapproximately 15 mm.

The distance along the shaped separator 1012 between the contacts 1112and 1114 may be at least approximately 10 mm (between referenceelectrode 1008 and sensing electrode 1009). In some cases, the distancealong the separator 1012 between the contacts 1112 and 1114 may be atleast approximately 10 mm.

The distance along the separator 1012 between contacts 1110 and 1112 maybe greater than the length along the separator 1012 between contacts1112 and 1114. The width of the separator 1012 between the contacts 1110and 1112 may be greater than the width of the separator 1012 between thecontacts 1112 and 1114. In other words, the overall area of theseparator 1012 between the contacts 1110 and 1112 may be greater thanthe overall area of the separator 1012 between the contacts 1112 and1114.

As shown in FIGS. 12A-12C, when the separator material is placed andretained between parallel surfaces, a distribution of “pores” may becreated throughout the separator material, which can be utilized to bothretain and wick (by capillary attraction) aqueous electrolytes. Onemethod of modifying the local porosity of these materials involves theinclusion of local geometric features. Additionally, by employing alaser cutting process to selectively ablate (or remove) glass fibermaterial from the separator, the local glass density can be reduced.

A typical “reservoir” design would involve an internal volume that isfree of glass fiber material (maximum volume with minimum electrolyteretention) that contains “free” electrolyte that might contact thecompressed separator material (i.e. a step change to uniform porosity)and thereby be wicked away from the reservoir by capillary attraction. Aseparator may also comprise additional separator geometrical features(e.g. tabs, rings etc.) to improve the effectiveness and likelihood ofelectrolyte contact under the target application conditions.

The separator materials illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12C incorporatecontinuous separator geometry of graduated glass density to optimize thecapillary attractive forces to draw electrolyte from the reservoir withthe minimum amount of glass material. A laser may be used to produce anarray of “holes” or ablate material from the target surface to modifythe glass density locally.

FIG. 12A illustrates a first example of material comprising holes 1202(or removed material), wherein the geometry of the holes 1202 variesalong the length of the material, thereby varying the density of thematerial along the length. A first section 1204 may comprise a firstpattern of holes 1202. A second section 1206 may comprise a secondpattern of holes 1202, wherein the holes 1202 of the second pattern arespaced further apart than the first pattern. A third section 1208 maycomprise solid material, where no holes have been created in thematerial. In the example shown in FIG. 12A, the density of the materialmay increase from the first section 1204 to the second section 1206, andmay increase from the second section 1206 to the third section 1208.

FIG. 12B illustrates a second example of material comprising holes 1212(or removed material), wherein the geometry of the holes 1212 variesalong the length of the material, thereby varying the density of thematerial along the length. A first section 1214 may comprise a firstpattern of holes 1212. A second section 1216 may comprise a secondpattern of holes 1212, wherein the holes 1212 of the second pattern arespaced further apart than the first pattern. A third section 1218 maycomprise solid material, where no holes have been created in thematerial. In the example shown in FIG. 12B, the density of the materialmay increase from the first section 1214 to the second section 1216, andmay increase from the second section 1216 to the third section 1218.

FIG. 12C illustrates a third example of material comprising holes 1222(or removed material), wherein the geometry of the holes 1222 variesalong the length of the material, thereby varying the density of thematerial along the length. A first section 1224 may comprise a firstpattern of holes 1222. A second section 1226 may comprise a secondpattern of holes 1222, wherein the holes 1222 of the second pattern arespaced further apart than the first pattern. A third section 1228 maycomprise solid material, where no holes have been created in thematerial. In the example shown in FIG. 12C, the density of the materialmay increase from the first section 1224 to the second section 1226, andmay increase from the second section 1226 to the third section 1228,though the density of the separator material can increase or decrease inany order in adjacent sections. Additionally, lateral variations acrossthe width of the separator may be incorporated, where the sameprinciples as defined here can be used in any combination in the XYplane of the separator.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate examples of how the density of a material maybe varied along the length of the material. In some cases, the variationmay be measured by percentage of material removed. In some cases, thevariation may be measured by percentage of material remaining. Multiplepatterns of holes may be utilized in one separator, wherein the patternsmay be located strategically along the separator to create variations indensity along the separator. The variations in glass density can beleveraged to improve electrolyte diffusion through the sensor. Where anelectrolyte “reservoir” is required, it is beneficial to minimize theglass density so that the maximum free volume is realized that can becompletely accessed by remaining glass fibers.

The holes in the material may be created using a laser cutter. Forexample, a CO₂ laser cutter may be used with a wave length ofapproximately 10600 nanometers. The laser cutter may comprise a 370 mmlens which gives a spot size of approximately 540 microns. The lasercutter may comprise an 80 watt air cooled laser.

Reducing the volume of material in defined sections of separatormaterial (which may be GFA) could be achieved using the laser in spotmarking mode to add perforations to areas of the GFA. Reducing thevolume of material in defined sections of separator material may also beachieved using the laser on different power or speed settings to removelayers of GFA in certain sections.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate another example of a shaped separator 1312that may be used with a planar arrangement of electrodes 1302, 1304 and1306. The shaped separator 1312 may comprise variations in width,length, and density between the contact points with the electrodes 1302,1304, 1306. The separator 1312 may use the variations in width tocontrol the amount of electrolyte retention as well as an ion gradientbetween electrodes 1302, 1304, 1306. For example, sections of the shapedseparator 1312 having narrower widths may act as choke points to controlthe ion concentration gradient between the counter and sensingelectrode.

While the above sensor is described in the context of an oxygen sensor,similar concepts and practices could be used in a variety ofelectrochemical sensors.

Some sensors use three electrodes orientated nominally in a commonplane. This configuration allows for a shift of the bias of theeffective cross sectional areas of the interfacial phases furthertowards the liquid/gas (electrolyte/internal “air” reservoir) interfacesrather than the solid/liquid/solid (catalyst/electrolyte/catalyst)interfaces. By designing the geometry of internal components to modifythe effective contact areas between the electrolyte and gas phase withinthe sensor, the local rates of interfacial diffusion of oxygen betweenthe electrolyte and the internal gas volumes can be controlled toimprove the electrochemical performance of the electrochemical sensor.This may minimize any “polarization” effects associated with thelimiting diffusion rates of dissolved oxygen away from the site ofgeneration at the counter electrode and may prevent the local formationof bubbles or micro-bubbles of gases (typically oxygen and nitrogen) inthe electrolyte which can lead to a disturbance in the electrochemistryoccurring at the three electrodes, reducing counter electrode (anode)“activity” as a result of the reduction in the effective contact areabetween the catalyst and electrolyte or producing transients currents atthe sensing electrode (cathode).

The inclusion of openings or cavities in internal components of thesensors, referred to hereafter as “breather slots,” in the bodycomponent of a planar sensor may provide control of the gas exchangebetween the electrolyte in the separator and the gas phase in thereservoir of the sensor. In other words, the breather slots may providesufficient contact area between the electrolyte contained in theseparator and the gas phase in the reservoir of the sensor to allow forcontrol of the equilibrium between the gases dissolved in theelectrolyte and the gas phase. The breather slots may provide gas accessto the free space in the reservoir, and may also allow excess freeelectrolyte (that is not localized elsewhere in the reservoir) tocontact the separator directly if the sensor is in the rightorientation. Additionally, the breather slots may allow for theelectrolyte concentration in portions of the separator material to becontrolled, further affecting and controlling the movement of theelectrolyte within the separator.

For example, breather slots located near the counter electrode may beoperable to vent bubbles (or gases) generated at the electrode into thereservoir, so that the counter electrode may remain wetted by theelectrolyte and functioning. The breather slots near the counterelectrode may prevent the produced gases from drying out the electrode.

In another example, breather slots located near the reference and/orsensing electrodes may allow for faster exchange of water vapor from thereservoir to the electrodes, where the electrodes may function in dryconditions. The breather slots near the reference and/or sensingelectrodes may allow gas from the reservoir to more quickly contact theelectrodes. Water transport through the gas phase is orders of magnitudefaster than diffusion through a liquid, so localised increases inelectrolyte concentration due to drying out are better managed byallowing gas phase access of water to the dried regions, rather thanrequiring it to diffuse through the electrolyte itself from wetterparts.

Electrochemical oxygen pump sensors can employ three electrodes thatoperate in an electrolyte having different concentrations of dissolvedoxygen in intimate contact with the electrocatalyst. To improve theelectrochemical reactions occurring at all electrodes, any constrainingconcentrations of reactants and products (Le Chatelier's principle) canbe reduced within their local environments.

The effective cross sectional areas of the breather slots may beoptimized for the specific requirements of each of the electrodes.Around the counter electrode in an oxygen sensor, the cross sectionalarea of the breather slots may be increased, as it is beneficial toincrease the rate of diffusion of a dissolved target gas (such asoxygen) away from the site of generation into the internal sensorreservoir. Around the reference electrode, the cross sectional area ofthe breather slots may be balanced to control the dissolved target gasconcentration in the vicinity of the reference electrode, impartinggreater sensor tolerance to external target gas concentrations. Aroundthe sensing electrode, the cross sectional area of the breather slotsmay be controlled to create an anaerobic zone around the sensingelectrode, thereby reducing baseline currents generated in oxygen freeenvironments and also improving the response times to reach baselineconditions.

Referring back to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment of breather slots 220are shown molded into the body 102 near the counter electrode 111, wherethe cross sectional area of the breather slots may be maximized, as itis beneficial to increase the rate of diffusion of dissolved oxygen awayfrom the site of generation into the internal sensor reservoir.Additionally, in FIG. 3, another exemplary embodiment of breather slots340 are shown molded into the support table 302 near the counterelectrode 310, where the cross sectional area of the breather slots 340may be maximized, as it is beneficial to increase the rate of diffusionof dissolved oxygen away from the site of generation into the internalsensor reservoir.

While the above sensor is described in the context of an oxygen sensor,similar concepts and practices could be used in a variety ofelectrochemical sensors.

In order to avoid spiking and glitch issues as described herein, one ormore features to control the pressure within the sensor can be used.Such a feature can allow the gas to move from bulk free space of thebody as the gas expands or contracts due to pressure and temperatureeffects. When the electrolyte level in the sensor is at a high level,e.g. when the sensor is new, in a filled state, and/or operated in highrelative humidity conditions, it is not likely that there will be spacesconnecting into a gas path. Therefore, it is important to ensure thatgood gas communication is maintained at all times in all orientations.

In an electrochemical sensor, a highly porous breather tab may be usedto form a pathway for air contained within the sensor to vent outthrough the breather tab (in the case of an increase in internalpressure) and/or vent in through the breather tab (in the case of adecrease in internal pressure) via a suitable aperture (capillary orother) in the sensor enclosure to provide gaseous communication betweenthe sensor interior and environment. A sensor may normally containsources of air or other gases, where gas can be produced by theelectrochemical reaction at an electrode (normally the counterelectrode), or air can be found in voids between mechanical parts or inthe free volume in the reservoir. The breather tab can comprise ahydrophobic yet porous material such as PTFE. The hydrophobic nature ofthe membrane may reduce the likelihood of a liquid entering the membraneand blocking gas flow. Further, the porous nature of the breather tabcan allow gases to flow through the membrane between a surface of themembrane in contact with a gaseous space in the sensor and a surface ofthe membrane in contact with a vent hole. The hydrophobic nature of themembrane may also aid in preventing any liquid (e.g., the electrolyte)from reaching the vent hole and leaking from the sensor.

If the breather tab is not secured in position by design, or if thesensor takes on water when in a high humidity environment, a ventblockage or partial blockage could be caused by the electrolyte, therebypreventing gas from accessing the breather tab. Also, the sensor may bepositioned, either by design or during use, in an orientation whichallows the electrolyte to prevent the gas from accessing the membrane.In some instances, an attachment (such as a heat stake or otherconnection between the breather tab and the housing) can block orpartially block the vent by compressing and thus restricting the airflow through the breather tab. This may prevent a gas from flowingbetween an access surface on the membrane to a vent located on anopposite side of the attachment point.

If a vent is blocked or expanding air within the sensor cannot accessthe vent, oxygen or other gas can find its way to one of the otherelectrodes and create a spike in the sensor output. This spiking cancause issues for the user of the sensor by creating false alarms. It ispossible to arrange the breather tab so that it can be positioned toaccess the gas produced at the counter electrode, in voids and the gasin the reservoir, in a repeatable way which will remain so during thesensor's life.

Referring now to FIG. 14, a counter electrode 1410 is made from a PTFEtape which allows gas to pass laterally through its structure. Thecounter electrode 1410 may be partially covered by a separator 1412 (andthereby shown in dashes). In FIG. 14, a portion of the counter electrode1410 may function as a breather tab 1411 for the sensor. The breathertab 1411 may be attached (via heat stakes 1421) to the cap 1420 wherethe breather tab 1411 (of the counter electrode 1410) bridges over aprotrusion 1422 from the cap 1420. The heat stake 1421 is small enoughnot to affect the venting properties and may be located at or near theend of the breather tab 1411. Attaching the breather tab 1411 to the cap1420 and bridging over the plastic protrusion 1422 allows the breathertab 1411 to be retained in a fixed position and orientation for the lifeof the sensor.

In FIG. 15, a table 1402 may be attached over the separator 1412 (shownin FIG. 14), where the table 1402 creates a reservoir 1430. The table1402 may comprise an opening 1403 for the protrusion 1422. The breathertab 1411 may be routed over the protrusion 1422 so it traverses thereservoir 1430 and it is part of the counter electrode 1410. This allowsgas to access the breather tab 1411 in any orientation of the sensor,even in high humidity when the level of electrolyte within the reservoir1430 is high. The sensor elements illustrated in FIGS. 14-15 may beassembled in one direction, making it easy to manufacture.

FIG. 16 shows the counter electrode 1410 comprising the breather tab1411, where the breather tab 1411 is operable to fold over theprotrusion (shown above) and be heat staked in place. A vent hole can bedisposed in the housing adjacent the counter electrode 1410 to allow anygases to pass through the length of the breather tab 1411 and exitand/or enter the sensor through the vent hole. The counter electrode1410 can be formed directly on the breather tab 1411, wherein thebreather tab can form the backing tape for the deposition of thecatalytic material forming the counter electrode 1410.

FIG. 17 shows a detailed view of the cap 1420 and protrusion 1422. FIG.18 further illustrates the use of the breather tab 1811 located withinthe reservoir 1830. The breather tab 1811 may be positioned such that itis not fully covered by the electrolyte 1832 in any orientation. Thebreather tab 1811 may be in direct contact with the vent hole 1802, andmay extend into the center of the reservoir 1830. The vent hole 1802 maybe sealed from the interior elements of the sensor (e.g. electrolyte1832) based on the hydrophobic properties of the breather tab 1811.

The breather tab 1811 may comprise one continuous piece of highly porousPTFE to enable continuous lateral movement of gas though its fulllength. The breather tab 1811 may extend outwards in one dimension fromthe vent 1802 and extend down away from the vent 1802 through the fulllength of the reservoir 1830. The breather tab 1811 may then extend backup to the base/table 1808 under the electrode compartment 1806. Thebreather tab 1811 may be secured in one or more locations by heatsealing 1821 to ensure it does not move during operation.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show additional views of the cap 1420 comprising theprotrusion 1422, the separator 1412, the counter electrode 1410, and thebreather tab 1411 described in FIGS. 14 and 15.

While the above sensor is described in the context of an oxygen sensor,similar concepts and practices could be used in a variety ofelectrochemical sensors.

Embodiments of the disclosure include an electrochemical sensorcomprising a housing defining an interior space; a sensing electrode; acounter electrode; and a separator retaining an electrolyte, wherein theelectrolyte provides an ionically conductive pathway between each of thesensing electrode and the counter electrode within the housing, whereinthe electrodes are orientated in a common plane, the separator contactseach of the electrodes, and the housing comprises at least one breatherslot located between the interior space and the separator.

In an embodiment of the electrochemical sensor, the ratio of the lengthof the separator to the overall thickness of the separator is at least20/1. In an embodiment of the electrochemical sensor, the ratio of thelength of the separator to the overall thickness of the separator isapproximately 70/1. In an embodiment of the electrochemical sensor, thethickness of the separator is less than approximately 10% of the widthof the separator. In an embodiment of the electrochemical sensor, thethickness of the separator is approximately 1.5% of the width of theseparator. In an embodiment of the electrochemical sensor, the separatorhas a thickness of less than approximately 0.5 millimeters (mm). In anembodiment of the electrochemical sensor, the separator has a thicknessof approximately 0.25 mm. In an embodiment of the electrochemicalsensor, the separator has a width of at least approximately 5 mm. In anembodiment of the electrochemical sensor, the separator has a width ofapproximately 17.5 mm. In an embodiment of the electrochemical sensor,the separator has a length of at least approximately 5 mm. In anembodiment of the electrochemical sensor, the separator has a length ofapproximately 17.25 mm.

In an embodiment of the electrochemical sensor, the sensor may furthercomprise a plurality of electrical contacts, wherein the separatorcomprises openings that surround contact points between the electrodesand the electrical contacts. In an embodiment of the electrochemicalsensor, the sensor may further comprise a reference electrode, whereinthe distance along the separator between the openings for the counterelectrode and the reference electrode is different from the length alongthe separator between openings for the reference electrode and thesensing electrode. In an embodiment of the electrochemical sensor, thesensor may further comprise a reference electrode, wherein the overallsurface area of the separator between the openings for the counterelectrode and the reference electrode is different from the overallsurface area of the separator between openings for the referenceelectrode and the sensing electrode. In an embodiment of theelectrochemical sensor, the sensor may further comprise at least onebreather slot located proximate to the counter electrode, wherein the atleast one breather slot is operable to vent gases generated at theelectrode into the reservoir. In an embodiment of the electrochemicalsensor, the sensor may further comprise a reference electrode; and atleast one breather slot located proximate to the reference electrode,wherein the at least one breather slot allows for faster exchange ofwater vapor from the reservoir to the electrode, wherein the referenceelectrode functions in dry conditions. In an embodiment of theelectrochemical sensor, the sensor may further comprise at least onebreather slot located proximate to the sensing electrode, wherein the atleast one breather slot allows for faster exchange of water vapor fromthe reservoir to the electrode, wherein the counter electrode functionsin dry conditions.

Embodiments of the disclosure include a method for manufacturing aplanar separator for use in an electrochemical sensor comprising forminga planar separator wherein the ratio of the length of the separator tothe overall thickness of the separator is at least 20/1; forming ahousing, wherein the separator contacts a portion of the housing, andwherein the housing defines a reservoir; forming at least one breatherslot within the portion of the housing contacting the separator; andassembling the planar separator within the housing, wherein theseparator contacts a plurality of electrodes, and wherein the breatherslots of the housing are located between the reservoir and theseparator.

In an embodiment of the method, the breather slots are located proximateto contact points between the separator and the plurality of electrodes,and wherein the at least one breather slot is operable to vent gasesgenerated at the electrode into the reservoir. In an embodiment of themethod, the breather slots are located proximate to contact pointsbetween the separator and the plurality of electrodes, and wherein theat least one breather slot allows for faster exchange of water vaporfrom the reservoir to the electrode.

While various embodiments in accordance with the principles disclosedherein have been shown and described above, modifications thereof may bemade by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and theteachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein arerepresentative only and are not intended to be limiting. Manyvariations, combinations, and modifications are possible and are withinthe scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result fromcombining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s)are also within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the scope ofprotection is not limited by the description set out above, but isdefined by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalentsof the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim isincorporated as further disclosure into the specification and the claimsare embodiment(s) of the present invention(s). Furthermore, anyadvantages and features described above may relate to specificembodiments, but shall not limit the application of such issued claimsto processes and structures accomplishing any or all of the aboveadvantages or having any or all of the above features.

Additionally, the section headings used herein are provided forconsistency with the suggestions under 37 C.F.R. 1.77 or to otherwiseprovide organizational cues. These headings shall not limit orcharacterize the invention(s) set out in any claims that may issue fromthis disclosure. Specifically and by way of example, although theheadings might refer to a “Field,” the claims should not be limited bythe language chosen under this heading to describe the so-called field.Further, a description of a technology in the “Background” is not to beconstrued as an admission that certain technology is prior art to anyinvention(s) in this disclosure. Neither is the “Summary” to beconsidered as a limiting characterization of the invention(s) set forthin issued claims. Furthermore, any reference in this disclosure to“invention” in the singular should not be used to argue that there isonly a single point of novelty in this disclosure. Multiple inventionsmay be set forth according to the limitations of the multiple claimsissuing from this disclosure, and such claims accordingly define theinvention(s), and their equivalents, that are protected thereby. In allinstances, the scope of the claims shall be considered on their ownmerits in light of this disclosure, but should not be constrained by theheadings set forth herein.

Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, and having should beunderstood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of,consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of. Use of theterm “optionally,” “may,” “might,” “possibly,” and the like with respectto any element of an embodiment means that the element is not required,or alternatively, the element is required, both alternatives beingwithin the scope of the embodiment(s). Also, references to examples aremerely provided for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to beexclusive.

While several embodiments have been provided in the present disclosure,it should be understood that the disclosed systems and methods may beembodied in many other specific forms without departing from the spiritor scope of the present disclosure. The present examples are to beconsidered as illustrative and not restrictive, and the intention is notto be limited to the details given herein. For example, the variouselements or components may be combined or integrated in another systemor certain features may be omitted or not implemented.

Also, techniques, systems, subsystems, and methods described andillustrated in the various embodiments as discrete or separate may becombined or integrated with other systems, modules, techniques, ormethods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.Other items shown or discussed as directly coupled or communicating witheach other may be indirectly coupled or communicating through someinterface, device, or intermediate component, whether electrically,mechanically, or otherwise. Other examples of changes, substitutions,and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could bemade without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electrochemical sensor comprising: a bodydefining an interior space; a sensing electrode; a counter electrodelocated in a common plane with the sensing electrode; a separatorretaining an electrolyte, wherein the separator contacts each of theelectrodes, and wherein the electrolyte provides an ionically conductivepathway between the sensing electrode and the counter electrode; and asupport table located between the separator and the interior space ofthe body, wherein the separator and the electrodes are stacked on top ofthe support table, wherein the support table comprises at least onebreather slot located between the interior space and the separator, andwherein the at least one breather slot is configured to provide acontact area to vent gasses to and from the interior space of the bodyand the electrolyte contained in the separator.
 2. The electrochemicalsensor of claim 1, wherein the at least one breather slot controls theequilibrium between the gases dissolved in the electrolyte and theinterior space of the body of the sensor.
 3. The electrochemical sensorof claim 1, wherein the at least one breather slot limits the diffusionof target gas in the electrolyte to and/or from the sensing electrode.4. The electrochemical sensor of claim 1, further comprising at leastone breather slot located proximate to the counter electrode, whereinthe at least one breather slot is configured to vent gases generated atthe counter electrode into the interior space of the body of the sensor.5. The electrochemical sensor of claim 1, further comprising a referenceelectrode located in a common plane with the sensing electrode and thecounter electrode, and at least one breather slot located proximate tothe reference electrode, wherein the at least one breather slot allowsfor exchange of water vapor from the interior space of the body to thereference electrode, wherein the reference electrode functions in dryconditions.
 6. The electrochemical sensor of claim 1, further comprisingat least one breather slot located proximate to the sensing electrode,wherein the at least one breather slot allows for exchange of watervapor from the reservoir to the sensing electrode, wherein the sensingelectrode functions in dry conditions.
 7. The electrochemical sensor ofclaim 1, wherein the ratio of the length of the separator to the overallthickness of the separator is at least 20/1.
 8. The electrochemicalsensor of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the length of the separator tothe overall thickness of the separator is approximately 70/1.
 9. Theelectrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein the thickness of theseparator is less than approximately 10% of the width of the separator.10. The electrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein the thickness of theseparator is approximately 1.5% of the width of the separator.
 11. Theelectrochemical sensor of claim 1, wherein the separator has a thicknessof less than approximately 0.5 millimeters (mm).
 12. The electrochemicalsensor of claim 1, wherein the separator has a width of at leastapproximately 5 mm.
 13. The electrochemical sensor of claim 1, whereinthe separator has a length of at least approximately 5 mm.
 14. Theelectrochemical sensor of claim 1, further comprising a plurality ofelectrical contacts, wherein the separator comprises openings thatsurround contact points between the electrodes and the electricalcontacts.
 15. The electrochemical sensor of claim 14, further comprisinga reference electrode located in a common plane with the sensingelectrode and the counter electrode.
 16. The electrochemical sensor ofclaim 15, wherein the distance along the separator between the openingsfor the counter electrode and the reference electrode is different fromthe length along the separator between openings for the referenceelectrode and the sensing electrode.
 17. The electrochemical sensor ofclaim 15, wherein the overall surface area of the separator between theopenings for the counter electrode and the reference electrode isdifferent from the overall surface area of the separator betweenopenings for the reference electrode and the sensing electrode.
 18. Amethod for manufacturing a planar separator for use in anelectrochemical sensor comprising: providing a body defining an interiorspace comprising an electrolyte; forming a planar separator wherein theratio of the length of the separator to the overall thickness of theseparator is at least 20/1; forming a support table, wherein theseparator contacts a portion of the support table, and wherein thesupport table is assembled with the body to define the interior space;forming at least one breather slot within the portion of the supporttable contacting the separator; and assembling the planar separatorwithin the body, wherein the separator contacts a plurality ofelectrodes, and wherein the breather slots of the support table arelocated between the interior space and the separator.
 19. The method ofclaim 18, wherein assembling comprises stacking the separator and theplurality of electrodes on top of the support table, and wherein the atleast one breather slot is configured to provide a contact area to ventgasses to and from the interior space of the body and the electrolytecontained in the separator.
 20. The method of claim 18, whereinassembling comprises locating the breather slots proximate to contactpoints between the separator and the plurality of electrodes, andwherein the at least one breather slot is configured to vent gasesgenerated at the electrode into the reservoir.